Sausurrea Lappa Clarke

Question 1

Dzongkha and English name
Classification
kingdom
family 
order
genus
species

Answer 1

Shapho Ruta 
Indian Costus root
Kingdom: 	Plantae
Family: 	Asteraceae
Order: 		Asterales
Genus: 	Saussurea 
Species: 	lappa
Saussurea genus has about 300 species

Question 2

History

Answer 2

Was cultivated on a large scale during the 2nd King’s reign in Thangbi Ringo, Bumthang

Stock from this was used in traditional medicine and incense production till later 1980s

Good stock in Ura and NCOA(National centre for organic Agriculture), Yusipang

Saved from extinction

Question 3

Morphology
Flower
Chemical composition
Root contains essential oils such as ……………..and ………………….

Answer 3

Perennial herb
4 to 5 feet tall
Robust stem (annual)
Basal leaves pinnate, lobed terminally up to 40 cm long
Stem leaves 30 cm long, entire or irregularly toothed
Roots have pungent taste along with a characteristic fragrant aromatic odour

Purple 
Blooms from July to August
bitter resin and alkaloid sussurine
Contains minerals and vitamins such as: 
vitamin A, 
vitamin B1,B2,B12,  
vitamin C and 
Potassium

tuberous roots are used

Question 4

Uses

Answer 4

Used as tonic for cardiac problems, asthma, cough, cholera, bronchitis
Has aphrodisiac and anthelmintic properties
Used in preparation of incense
Essential oil (root) used in aromatherapy and perfumery
38 formulations made by ITMS(Institute of traditional medicine services)
e.g.,
Ko-bji 13
Go-lomen-mar
Men-sang-ja-tsa
Rur-ta-drukpa, etc.

Question 5

Soil and Climate requirement

Answer 5

Prefers well-drained sandy loam soil of good depth as the plant develops long and thick roots
Temperate to sub-alpine plant
Habitat – woodland, moist open slopes and shady places
Grows at 2,500 to 4,000 masl

Question 6

Cultivation practices
Cultural operations(Manuring
) Weeding
Irrigation
Pests and disease management

Answer 6

Nursery preparation
Apply sufficient FYM before sowing

Sow seeds in nursery in mid-spring

Sow seeds at 2-3 cm depth (2 seeds/hole)

Row spacing 30 cm x 30 cm

Seed rate: 1.5 kg/ac

Irrigate immediately after sowing

Apply organic manures – 10-12 tonnes FYM/ac
Plant dries up at the end of the first year growing season (4-5 leaf stage during fall)
Earth up and fertilize with FYM/leaf compost during the following spring when the plant starts sprouting

Weed at least twice after transplanting and once after 4-5-leaf stage

Provide mild irrigation as and when needed

Very minimal pest and disease incidences

Question 7

Harvesting and postharvest
Yield
important information…

Answer 7

Root tubers develop and mature in 2 years
Harvest roots in late fall (Sept. or Oct) of the second year
Dig out roots, wash thoroughly
Chop to 1-2 cm slices
Dry under shade on a tarpaulin or mat
Average yield: 300 kg dried and ~650-780 kg fresh roots/ac

Price: Nu 300/kg dried roots; Nu 9,813/kg dried seeds

Threatened and CITES protected species

Oil banned in Europe owing to its allergy inducing properties

Essential oil extraction can add value - Nu 30,000 per liter of oil